The Devil's Fire

by Sara Bell

  Getting angry with Finn was easy, but maintaining that anger was near impossible. Still, Alric put up a valiant effort.

  "You know what has me riled. What were you thinking, kissing me like that in front of Glenna and the rest?"

  Finn laced his arms behind his head and pretended to think about it. “'Twas a simple kiss, cousin. Nothing you and I have not done before."

  "There was nothing simple about that kiss and well you know it. Besides which, we are cousins by marriage alone."

  Finn rolled to the side and propped his head on his elbow. “'Tis a good thing we have no blood between us.” His lips slanted into a teasing leer. “Otherwise the things we did together on your last visit would have been against the law in at least twelve under-kingdoms."

  Alric's face heated at the reminder of the time they'd spent together, but he kept his voice stern. “Have you any idea how embarrassing it was to be mauled in front of my sister? Have you no shame?"

  "Shame? Me?” Finn laughed. “Not an ounce, I assure you.” He sat up and ruffled Alric's hair. “As for Glenna, she's a grown woman. ‘Twas not the first time she saw two men kiss, and I wager twill not be the last."

  "That's not the point."

  "The point,” Finn said, “has already been made. Glenna wasn't the one glaring daggers at me from across the courtyard. That honor belongs to your pretty new husband."

  "Gareth's glaring at you had nothing to do with me.” On that, Alric was adamant. “The man doesn't want to be here. I imagine he'll glare at everyone in the keep before this visit is through."

  "If you believe that, you're more naive than I took you for.” Finn sounded rather sure of himself. “Your warrior may have come to the marriage unwillingly, but his feelings are changing. I promise you that."

  Alric narrowed his eyes. “How did you know Gareth was unwilling to wed me?” His eyes widened as the answer hit him. “You've been having visions about the two of us, haven't you?"

  "Quiet, you.” Finn put his finger to his lips and lowered his voice to a loud whisper. He pointed to the door on the other side of the room, the one connecting Alric's chambers to Gareth's. “The walls may be made of stone, but that door is thin enough. You don't want your beloved to think you keep company with a witch, now do you?"

  "Having visions doesn't make you a witch."

  "No?"

  "No. It makes you...” Alric trailed off as he searched for the right word. Remembering what Gareth had said about his own powers, Alric continued with, “Gifted. It makes you gifted."

  "What a way with words you have.” Finn sounded impressed. “All right, then. Gifted it is. And as it happens, I have had a vision or two about you and Lord Lachlan."

  Alric was afraid to ask. Finn had what Glenna referred to as “the sight.” Sometimes he knew things before they happened, and sometimes he seemed able to read people's thoughts. As far as Alric knew, Finn's visions was never wrong.

  "What...” Alric's voice came out hoarse and stilted. “What did you see?"

  Finn bounded from the bed with his usual enthusiasm and peered down into Alric's face, his green eyes dancing. “You needn't be worried.” He came around to the other side of the bed and propped himself against the end post. “When the message came from Kray announcing your wedding, I was the one who received the missive from the messenger."

  Alric didn't have to ask what he meant. Finn's powers of perception were strongest through touch. If he'd touched a letter from Declan ... “You picked up my father's thoughts through the paper."

  "'Twas more scattered impressions that I got. A fear Lachlan didn't want you. The hope he would come around eventually.” Finn again threw himself onto the mattress beside Alric, this time lying on his stomach with his elbows on the bed and his head in his hands.

  He tilted to the side to better see Alric. “Since you are indeed wed, it seems Declan was right. Lachlan did come around, after all."

  Alric stood then. He crossed the room to make a show of unpacking the few belongings he'd brought with him. “Only because he was forced.” And before Finn could question it, Alric told him all that had happened from the moment Gareth arrived at Kray until the three of them rode up to the gates of Hume.

  To his credit, Finn interrupted not once during the tale. It was one of the things Alric liked best about Finn, his ability to listen. Only when Alric had recounted the whole sordid story and collapsed into a chair near the hearth did Finn say, “'Twould seem Gareth of Lachlan has more mettle than I gave him credit for."

  "Because he didn't run fleeing the minute I shot fire from my fingers?"

  "Don't be dense.” Finn pulled himself upright. “The man has had at least a dozen opportunities to rid himself of you since that arrow pierced your back, yet he's chosen to remain by your side. Why is that, I wonder?"

  "Loyalty and honor, Finn. Those are the only things that kept Gareth from leaving me in that field to die. If you're implying he's capable of feeling anything toward me beyond that, you're fooling yourself."

  Finn crossed his legs. “We shall see.” He paused. “Does your husband know about us?"

  "No. Why would he?” Suddenly, that kiss in the courtyard began to make sense. “You picked up those impressions about Gareth's reluctance from my father's letter, and now you seek to make him jealous, is that it?” When Finn didn't bother to deny it, Alric sank further into the chair, weariness taking hold. “You're wasting your time. I could take you on the hall table and Gareth wouldn't blink an eye. He same as said I could bed whomever I wanted for all he cared."

  "Saying and meaning are two different things."

  "Not where Gareth is concerned.” Alric yawned. “Besides, you and I were never lovers. Not really. You did me a great favor, but we knew going in we were nothing more than friends."

  Finn stood, then crossed over to the chair. Taking Alric's hand, he pulled him to his feet. “I say you were the one who did me the favor, but we'll not argue it now.” He led him over to the bed and pushed him down to the mattress. “We'll continue this discussion later, after you've slept."

  Finn waited until Alric was on his back and then tugged at his right boot. Tossing it to the floor, Finn started on the left. “Why did you bother putting these things back on?"

  Another yawn. “I'd planned on visiting with Glenna and Rowan after my bath."

  "Glenna can wait.” Finn discarded the other boot and then pulled the covers over Alric's unresisting form. “If I had to guess, I'd say the healer and Lachlan have already taken to their beds. ‘Tis your turn."

  Alric fell asleep before he could answer.

  * * * *

  The evening meal was a veritable feast held in celebration of their arrival. Sweetmeats and pastries filled golden chargers while a roast goose and suckling pig weighted down the long oak table of the hall. Gareth watched in amusement as Stefan stuffed a whole egg into his mouth, much to his mother's horror.

  "Stefan, for goodness sake, you'll have Gareth believing we never feed you. Slow down and chew your food."

  "But I'm hungry, Mama,” Stefan said around a mouthful of egg. His silver eyes, so much like Glenna's and Alric's, focused on a cold tart just to the other side of his trencher.

  Rowan snagged the tart, placing it in front of his son. He ruffled the boy's dark hair. “Eat up, lad. A growing boy needs nourishment.” That earned him a dark glare from Glenna, but Rowan didn't seem overly worried about his wife's anger.

  Much to his surprise, Gareth found himself liking Alric's family. Glenna was warm and open, and Rowan had a frankness of manner and plainness of speech which Gareth found refreshing. As for Stefan, he was a lively sprite who never seemed to run out of things to say. All in all, there was only one member of the Hume household whom Gareth had trouble tolerating. The man who, at that very moment, was sitting next to Alric, hanging on his every word.

  Gareth wasn't certain why he disliked Finneas of Hume, but something about the man put him off. He told himself it had nothing to do with the way Fin
n was always touching Alric or laughing as if at some private joke between the two of them. And his dislike of the knave had absolutely no relation to that kiss Finn had given Alric in the courtyard. Alric was free to kiss anyone he wanted. Hadn't Gareth told Alric as much?

  Glenna broke into his thoughts. She was sitting next to her husband at the head of the table, watching Gareth closely. “I trust the accommodations were to your liking, Gareth?"

  Gareth smiled. Glenna was such a gentle lady, reminding him much of Tristam's Maris. “The accommodations are most excellent, my queen. Indeed, Castle Hume reminds me much of Kray. I can see the same hand in both places."

  Glenna blushed at the compliment. “My mother was a most gracious hostess. I confess, when Rowan and I married, I modeled my home after Kray.” She hesitated. “I was uncertain as to whether or not you and Alric would prefer separate rooms. ‘Tis the fashion—or so I hear—for bonded males to entertain separate quarters, but if you'd prefer one chamber..."

  Alric, seated one place down from his sister, answered before Gareth could say anything. “The rooms are perfect, Glenna.” He placed his hand on Glenna's arm. “Your household is as welcoming as Mother's ever was."

  Finn placed his hand on Alric's shoulder. “Don't worry, Glenna. Should Alric get lonely, I am just down the hall."

  Gareth's fingers tightened around the silver goblet he was holding. Rowan must have noticed, because he said, “I imagine Alric's husband is quite capable of keeping him company, Finn. In fact, you might consider taking a husband of your own. You're almost four and twenty. I should think ‘tis high time you left the nest."

  "And give up my position as the family jester?” Finn shuddered. “Why in The Creator's name would I want to do that?"

  Gareth placed his goblet back on the table. “Perhaps what Finneas needs, King Rowan, is an occupation. I believe there to be a village nearby in sore need of an idiot. Finn seems well suited to the task."

  Rowan had just taken a hearty sip of wine when Gareth's words caused him to swallow the wrong way. Glenna gave him a healthy tap on the back.

  "What's an idiot, Mama?” Stefan seemed excited by the prospect of Finn's employment. “If Finn's to be an idiot, may I be an idiot, too?"

  Glenna plied her son with another tart.

  "'Twould take up too much of my time, I'm afraid.” Finn didn't seem the least offended. He gave Alric a look far too familiar for Gareth's liking. “I prefer to spend my days in search of more ... pleasurable pursuits."

  Gareth was just about to ask the grinning cur how pleasurable he'd find a boot up the arse when Glenna said, “I do wish young Balthazar had been able to dine with us. From what the servants tell me, the poor thing was too tired even to take a meal in his room."

  "'Twas a rough journey for all of us, my queen.” Gareth pushed his trencher away. “Balthazar has earned his rest. Were it not for him, Alric would not have survived.” Gareth's meal rolled in his stomach at the thought.

  Rowan signaled to a servant hovering nearby. “Alistair, escort Stefan to the nursery.” When Stefan waged a protest, Rowan said, “You may take your tart with you, lad. ‘Tis high time you were bathed and put to bed."

  Stefan grumbled something about not needing a bath, but after kissing both his parents goodnight, he allowed the servant to escort him from the hall.

  Once Stefan was out of sight, Rowan pushed his own trencher away and folded his elbows on the table. “Now that my son is gone, I would hear the full truth of what happened to the two of you."

  With Alric's help, Gareth recounted their attack by Winthrop. By the time he was finished with the tale, Rowan was shaking with rage, Glenna was aghast, and even the ever-jovial Finn had taken on an air of seriousness.

  Rowan banged his fist on the table. “I'll see that whoreson Winthrop on his knees and begging for mercy before the month is out."

  "I am just grateful that you had a healer of Balthazar's skill on hand.” Glenna fanned her flushed cheeks with her fingers. “I cannot bear to think what would have happened, otherwise."

  "Nor can I.” Rowan took another draught of his wine. “I'll speak to Sully first thing tomorrow. Once Balthazar is safely at Kray, seeing to Declan's health, we'll retaliate against Winthrop and I'll see the soldiers who abandoned you on the field hunted down like the dogs they are."

  Gareth nodded. “Tristam will no doubt have the same reaction, though I confess my main target is Denmar. ‘Tis time the man paid for his sins."

  "No.” Alric's voice cut through the quiet of the hall. “There will be no retribution. Not for my sake, leastwise.” His silver eyes bore straight into Gareth's. “I know you've your own reasons for wanting Denmar dead—good reasons—but if you're looking for vengeance on my behalf, I won't allow it."

  Rowan didn't seem surprised, but neither was he pleased. “Have you forgotten what the villain put you through? By The Creator, Alric, he should be punished. And as for Winthrop—"

  "Winthrop lost his daughter, at my hands, no less.” Alric stood. “If Winthrop is to be punished for his attempt on me, should not I get my just desserts for taking Adela's life?” He bowed to his sister. “Excuse my rudeness, Glenna, but I'm afraid I've lost my appetite.” He turned and left the hall without giving her a chance to answer.

  "He's tired and overwrought.” Finn stood, as well. “I'll talk to him."

  Gareth was on his feet before Finn had taken so much as a step. “If anyone speaks to Alric, ‘twill be me. When I need your help dealing with my husband, Finneas, I'll damn well ask for it.” With an apologetic glance toward Glenna and a bow to Rowan, Gareth left.

  He should have known Finneas wouldn't give in. The man caught up to Gareth at the torch-lit corridor leading to the guest chambers.

  "Lachlan, I'll have a word with you ere you speak to Alric."

  "Go away.” Gareth's reply came out a rough growl. “I've had all I intend to tolerate from you for one night."

  "Your druthers don't concern me.” The strength in Finn's grip when he grabbed Gareth's arm was surprising. “You may not consider me a worthy adversary, but I vow you'll find out how formidable I can be before I'll allow you to add another hurt to the myriad Alric has already suffered."

  Gareth shrugged off Finn's hand. “What gives you the right to dictate how I handle my own husband?"

  "Did Alric tell you that Declan sent him here to Hume a scant month after Adela died?"

  The sudden change in subject was startling, but Gareth quickly recovered. “No, but what has that to do with—"

  "Hush and listen.” Finn's voice was like steel, his backbone straight as a lance. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Declan sent him here, claiming he wanted to get Alric away from the rumors and speculation of his involvement in Adela's death.” He snorted. “That's what Declan claimed, anyway, but I know the truth. Declan sent Alric here because he was tired of sitting suicide watch."

  Although Alric had hinted of a time when he'd lost the will to live, hearing the words stated so bluntly caused a pain in Gareth's chest. He swore, and Finn looked at him as if he'd sprouted a second head. “Don't tell me you're surprised? Surely even you can see the basic goodness residing in Alric's heart. How did you think he'd react to causing the death of one unarmed woman and six of Kray's own soldiers?"

  Gareth shook his head. “Alric used his powers against Winthrop's men."

  "And the only reason he isn't beating himself bloody about it is because he believes saving you and the rest was worth the sacrifice. I doubt seriously if he'd have lifted a finger against those men were it only to save himself."

  "You speak about him as if he's some sniveling coward.” Gareth didn't like the thought of anyone seeing Alric as weak. “I assure you, that isn't the case. Alric nearly throttled Tristam in the courtyard at Kray. He certainly seemed capable enough of defending himself, then."

  Finn cocked his head to the side. “But was he defending himself or someone else? His father, perhaps?” Finn smiled over Gareth's shocked expression,
but there was no warmth behind it. “You'd be surprised the things Alric tells me. One thing he doesn't have to tell me, however, is what will happen if you wage war against Denmar and Winthrop. Even if you claim the attack on Denmar is only to avenge your dead husband, Alric will believe somewhere in the back of his mind ‘tis all his fault. He'll hold himself accountable for the life of each and every soldier lost in the fray. You cannot ask that of him. I'll not allow it."

  "Again you tell me what you will and will not allow.” Gareth's voice rose. “Again I ask, who are you to tell me how to deal with my mate?"

  "Someone who knows him,” Finn said. “Someone who cares."

  Gareth wasn't swayed. “Alric should be glad to finally have the vengeance so long denied him."

  "How can you be so stupid?” Finn stood against him, unblinking as he stared Gareth down. “Why do you think Declan never went after Denmar for his crimes?” Without giving Gareth a chance to answer, Finn went on. “I'll tell you why. Because Declan knows his son well enough to know that, deep down, Alric believes he deserves every despicable, torturous thing Denmar ever did to him."

  Gareth stepped back as if slapped. “You're lying.” But the denial was halfhearted. Gareth could see the truth in Finn's eyes. His voice fell to a near whisper. “But that's insane."

  "'Tis insane to you, but to Alric it makes perfect sense. He believes—has always believed, I suspect—himself to be something less than human. Alric is waiting for the day the fire turns on him and takes control."

  The enormity of what Finn was saying shook Gareth to his core. That Alric could see himself in such a light was unfathomable. “I'll ... I'll talk to him, make him understand."

  "You think a few well placed words will take away twenty-one-years of self-loathing?” Finn crossed his arms over his chest. “How completely arrogant you are."

  "Since you seem to think you know everything there is to know about Alric,” Gareth ground out the words, “what would you suggest I do?"

  "Alric needs someone—a person who wants him not because of his powers but because of the man he is inside—to show him just how much his life is worth. Someone who isn't bound to him by blood the way Glenna and Declan are. Someone who's willing to devote all the time and energy it will take to convince him he is worthy of love and acceptance."